System and method for holding running shoes and other triathlon equipment for optimal transition speed during a triathlon

ABSTRACT

One embodiment is directed to a system for improving triathlon transition area efficiency, comprising a main stand member comprising a base portion and a top portion, the base portion being configured to be supported by a ground surface; and a first shoe coupler fixedly coupled to the top portion of the main stand member and configured to removably couple a first shoe to the main stand member in a manner wherein a pose is established for the first shoe such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged into the first shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete to stabilize the shoe.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports equipment rackingsystems, and specifically to technologies for athletes competing inevents such as triathlon, wherein efficient equipment change and accessto various accessories and components may be important to the athlete'soverall time or result.

BACKGROUND

Athletes competing in triathlons will often win first, second, or thirdplace in the event by beating their opponents to the finish line by justa few seconds. Over the course of a 2-hour Olympic-distance triathlon,an average of two to three minutes of the athlete's time is spent “intransition.” Transition time in a triathlon is defined as time spent bythe athlete doing activities other than swimming, bicycling, or running,such as taking off a wet suit, putting on a bicycle helmet, putting onrunning shoes, donning sunglasses, or attaching a racing number aroundone's waist.

Since the swimming, biking, and running speeds of competitivetriathletes are often quite similar, spending 10 or 20 seconds less timein transition may very well make the difference between winning a raceand taking second place, or between third place and fourth place, etc.Therefore, triathletes put great effort into being efficient while intransition. For example, they typically attempt to physically arrangetheir racing equipment (running shoes, bicycle helmet, etc.) before thestart of the race within the confines of their allotted space in thetransition area (FIGS. 1-2B; elements 2,4,6) so that each item will beconvenient to find and grab during the race. They may buy portable matsthat they think will help them arrange their shoes and other itemsefficiently (FIGS. 3A-B; elements 8,10), and companies advertise these“Triathlon Transition Mats” to them with slogans like “Every SecondCounts” in print advertisements (11), as shown in FIG. 4. They buytime-saving devices, such as elastic cinchable shoelace holding systems(FIGS. 5A-B; elements 12, 14) and shoelace substitutes (FIG. 5C; element16) to allow them to skip the 10-second process of tying their shoes.Such athletes typically look for any possible technique to minimize thetime they spend in transition, such as clipping their bicycle shoes totheir bicycle pedals before the race begins and suspending their bicycleshoes to the sides of their bicycle with small rubber bands (FIG. 6;element 18) or even specially-designed clips with spring-loaded elasticreels (FIG. 7; element 20), to allow them to skip the approximately10-20 second process of putting their bicycle shoes on during the firstof their two visits through the transition area during a race (known as“T1”, wherein a triathlete switches from swimming to cycling).

During the second of their two visits through the transition area duringa race (known as “T2”, wherein a triathlete switches from cycling torunning), immediately after letting go of their bicycle (FIG. 8A;element 22), triathletes typically spend 10-30 seconds bending down tograb their running shoes (FIG. 8B; element 24) and using their hands tohold their shoes while they hurriedly, sometimes franticly, push theirfeet into them while the clock ticks and spectators watch (FIG. 8C).

When two competing athletes enter “T2” at approximately the same time(FIG. 9), it becomes obvious to the athletes (26, 28), the referees(30), and any onlookers (32) that the athlete who spends less time bentover donning his/her shoes will be able to begin the run segment of thetriathlon sooner and therefore have a significant advantage towardwinning the race.

Referring to FIG. 9, Athletes A and B (elements 26 and 28 respectively)have entered the transition area for T2 at approximately the same time.Each athlete rushes to his designated spot in the transition area, bendsover in a hunched-back fashion (26, 28), and hurriedly dons his runningshoes. Athlete A is about 10 seconds faster in donning his shoes thanAthlete B is. Referring to FIG. 10, Athlete B (34) is still hunched overworking his shoes onto his feet while Athlete A (36) sprints out of thetransition area, gaining a significant lead. Referring to FIG. 11,Athlete B (38) then begins his run, but must now make up the 10 secondshe lost in order to have any chance of catching up to Athlete A. Theextra time that Athlete B spend bent over working his shoes onto hisfeet may very well cost him the race.

While there are conventional shoe racks or shoe storage structures, suchas those illustrated in FIGS. 12A-D (elements 13, 15, 17, and 19), andconventional devices for racking or storing other athletic equipment,such as those illustrated in FIGS. 13A-D (elements 21, 23, 25, and 27),none are currently adapted to be used in triathlon transition areas andin particular are not able to hold or suspend running shoes in such away that a rushed athlete can don them without using his/her hands.

There is a need for a device that holds a pair of running shoes in sucha position that a rushed triathlete can don them without using his orher hands, and without bending down, thereby saving valuable secondsduring a race.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is directed to a system for improving triathlontransition area efficiency, comprising: a main stand member comprising abase portion and a top portion, the base portion being configured to besupported by a ground surface; and a first shoe coupler fixedly coupledto the top portion of the main stand member and configured to removablycouple a first shoe to the main stand member in a manner wherein a poseis established for the first shoe such that a foot of a standing athletemay be urged into the first shoe without the use of one or more hands ofthe athlete to stabilize the shoe. The base portion may comprise asubstantially straight elongate member. The base portion may be orientedsubstantially perpendicularly relative to the ground surface. The baseportion may comprise an above-ground stand. The above-ground stand maycomprise three or more legs. The base portion may comprise aground-coupling feature configured to temporarily couple one end of thebase portion to a ground portion below the ground surface. Theground-coupling feature may comprise a sharpened end of the base portionconfigured to be forcibly driven into the ground portion below theground surface. The ground-coupling feature may comprise a substantiallyhelical end fitting configured to be augered into the ground portionbelow the ground surface. The first shoe coupler may comprise atwo-sided clip biased to removably grasp a tongue of the shoe. Thetwo-sided clip may be configured to grasp the tongue to retain the poseof the first shoe until the foot of the standing athlete is urged intothe shoe, thereby placing a separating force on the first shoe whichcauses the tongue to become uncoupled from the clip. The system furthermay comprise a second shoe coupler fixedly coupled to the top portion ofthe main stand member and configured to removably couple a second shoeto the main stand member in a manner wherein a pose is established forthe second shoe such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged intothe second shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete tostabilize the second shoe. The first shoe coupler may comprise atwo-sided clip biased to removably grasp a tongue of the shoe. Thetwo-sided clip may be configured to grasp the tongue to retain the poseof the first shoe until the foot of the standing athlete is urged intothe shoe, thereby placing a separating force on the first shoe whichcauses the tongue to become uncoupled from the clip. The system furthermay comprise a shoe alignment member removably coupling the first shoeto the second shoe to maintain spatial alignment of the shoes relativeto each other. The system further may comprise a first shoe heel couplermember removably coupled between a heel of the first shoe and the mainstand member to further stabilize and maintain the pose of the firstshoe. The system further may comprise a second shoe heel coupler memberremovably coupled between a heel of the second shoe and the main standmember to further stabilize and maintain the pose of the second shoe.The top portion may comprise a substantially straight elongate member.The top portion may comprise a bike rack coupler fitting configured tobe removably coupled to a nearby bicycle rack for additional stabilityof the main stand member in the triathlon transition area. The systemfurther may comprise an accessory hook member coupled to the main standmember and configured to hold one or more triathlon accessory items. Theone or more triathlon accessory items may be selected from the groupconsisting of: a pair of goggles, a pair of sunglasses, a visor, arunning hat, and a bicycle helmet. The system further may comprise anaccessory shelf coupled to the main stand member and configured to holdone or more triathlon accessory items. The one or more triathlonaccessory items may be selected from the group consisting of: a pair ofgoggles, a pair of sunglasses, a visor, a running hat, and a bicyclehelmet. The system further may comprise a mirror coupled to the mainstand member. The mirror may be movably coupled to the main stand memberwith one or more adjustable structures such that the mirror may be posedin a particular orientation by the athlete. The one or more adjustablestructures may be selected from the group consisting of: a single joint;a multi-joint construct; and a bendable member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B illustrate examples of triathlon transition areas inwhich triathletes have taken time and effort to arrange their runningshoes and other racing items in an organized fashion in hopes that itwill lead to fewer seconds expended “in transition” (between swimmingand cycling and between cycling and running).

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate specialized triathlon transition mats intended tohelp triathletes organize the items in their transition area.

FIG. 4 illustrates an advertisement for a triathlon transition matfeaturing the slogan that best embodies the goals of triathletes withregard to organizing their transition areas: “Every Second Counts.”

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate commonly-used shoelace aids and shoelacesubstitutes that eliminate the need to tie one's shoelaces during atriathlon.

FIG. 6 illustrates the practice, common among serious triathletes, ofusing thin rubber bands to attach the backs of biking shoes to abicycle, for the purpose of saving a few seconds in transition byavoiding the process of struggling to put on one's bike shoes beforebeginning to ride the bike.

FIG. 7 illustrates Tri-Clips® devices for aiding triathletes insuspending their bicycle shoes from the frame of their bicycles infashion similar to the use of rubber bands shown in FIG. 6, again forthe purpose of saving a few seconds in transition during a race.

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a triathlete entering a transition area afterfinishing the bicycle portion of the race, first racking and letting goof his bicycle (8A), then bending over and hurriedly or even franticlyusing his hands to hold his shoes while pushing his feet into his shoes(8B) while the clock ticks and spectators watch (8C).

FIG. 9 illustrates a situation in which two triathletes enter thetransition area at the same time, racing each other to don their runningshoes because each hopes to gain a few seconds head start over theother.

FIG. 10 illustrates the same transition area shown in FIG. 9, but 10seconds later. One triathlete has apparently managed to don his runningshoes faster than the other one has and is therefore gaining a headstart on the run portion of the race.

FIG. 11 illustrates the same transition area shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,but another 10 seconds later. In this Figure, the second triathlete hasfinally finished putting on his running shoes, and must clearly workextra hard to attempt to catch up with the first runner.

FIGS. 12A-D illustrate various commercially-available shoe racks.

FIGS. 13A-D illustrate various athletic equipment holding racks.

FIGS. 14A-D illustrate one embodiment of the present invention,featuring an apparatus for suspending a pair of running shoes in the airin a specific position and orientation (or “pose”) optimized forhands-free shoe-donning by a hurried triathlete who has just completedthe bicycle segment of a triathlon and is ready to begin the runningsegment.

FIG. 15 illustrates the approach that a triathlete's outstretched andpointed foot will take during the T2 portion of a triathlon as it entersa running shoe that has been removably coupled to one embodiment thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates the position of a triathlete's foot and running shoeshortly after the foot has entered the shoe. The downward momentum ofthe foot, and the triathlete's body weight, free the shoe from both thequick-release clip and the shoehorn-like member.

FIG. 17 illustrates the position of a triathlete's foot and running shoeanother split-second later as they hit the ground using one embodimentof the present invention, with foot-in-shoe and ready to run.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in whichthe tripod-like base of the previously-depicted embodiments is replacedwith a sharp metal spike configuration suitable for piercing the groundsurface of a grassy-field triathlon transition area and coupling to thematerial below to hold the inventive structure in place relative to theground surface.

FIG. 19 illustrates a typical grassy-field triathlon transition area.

FIG. 20 illustrates a typical parking-lock asphalt triathlon transitionarea.

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of the present inventionfeaturing a top portion comprising a bendable arm terminating in a bikerack coupling member or fitting, such as a clamp with adjustable screwsized to be attached to a horizontal beam of triathlon transition areabicycle rack.

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in whichthe top of the inventive structure features the same configuration asillustrated in FIG. 21, and also features a side hook or hanging memberfor hanging other items of triathlon racing gear.

FIGS. 23A-B illustrate another embodiment of the present invention withthe same features as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, but alsowith bicycle helmet holding features, making it useful for the “T1”portion of a triathlon in addition to “T2.”

FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention withfeatures similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, but also witha combination or key lock incorporated into the bike rack coupling clampconfiguration.

FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a configuration for utilizing atriathlon transition area efficiency structure such as those describedherein.

FIG. 26 illustrates one embodiment of a configuration for utilizing atriathlon transition area efficiency structure such as those describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present invention, a pair of athletic runningshoes may be held suspended in air with an easy-release clip holding upeach shoe's tongue and a shoehorn-like member making it possible for arushed athlete to don the shoes without using his/her hands. Fordescriptive purposes, the overall assembly or structure may be referredto as a “transition area efficiency structure”, “efficiency structure”,or “Caddy”.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-D, in one embodiment, an efficiency structure(200) comprises a main stand member (202) which may comprise a baseportion (204) and a top portion (218). The base portion may comprise asubstantially straight elongate member (206) as shown, as well as asupporting structure, such as an above-ground stand comprising three ormore legs (208). The stand may be configured to orient the substantiallystraight elongate member (206) in a substantially perpendicularorientation relative to the adjacent ground surface or other surface.The top portion (218) may be coupled to the base portion and may alsocomprise a substantially straight elongate member (236), which may beadjustably oriented relative to the base portion (204) using anadjustable and lockable joint assembly (244), which may comprise amovable joint clamping member. One or more accessory shelves (210, 212)may be coupled to the top portion (218) to facilitate fast access toaccessory items which may be stored thereon, such as a pair of goggles(276), a pair of sunglasses (214), a visor (216), a running hat, atowel, and/or a bicycle helmet (282). The shelves (210, 212) may bemovably and/or removably coupled to the top portion (218) using movablejoints or clamps to improve the customized fit and accessibility of theoverall efficiency structure (200) for the athlete. A crossmember (238)is shown coupled to the main stand member (202) with tension members(240, 242) coupled thereto. The ends of the tension members may becoupled to first and second shoe couplers (224, 226), which may comprisetwo-sided clips that are biased to removably grasp a structureinterposed between the two sides, such as the tongue of a shoe.Referring to FIG. 14A, a tongue (232) of a first shoe (220) is showngrasped within the first shoe coupler (224) while a tongue (234) of asecond shoe (222) is shown grasped within the second shoe coupler (226).The coupling configuration of the shoe couplers (224, 226) and tongues(232, 234) alone may retain the shoes (220, 222) in the depictedpositions and orientations, or “poses”, depending upon the centers ofgravity of the shoes (220, 222) and the positions of the tongues (232,234). To maintain a pose as depicted for each shoe, wherein each shoe ispointed slightly gravity upward, and wherein the shoes (220, 222) arealigned approximately in parallel with each other, other structures maybe utilized to support the shoes. Such a pose is desired for its abilityto allow the athlete to place his feet, toes first, into the shoes in ahands-free manner, as described further below. Referring again to FIG.14A, the depicted embodiment also comprises a shoe alignment member(246) removably coupled between the shoes (in this embodiment, betweenthe heels of the shoes) to maintain relative alignment of the shoes(220, 224). The alignment member (246) may comprise a simple structuralrod, cable, or other member configured to be removably coupled to theshoes and to apply a very slight aligning load to bias the shoes backinto alignment should they start to become unaligned as they aresuspended by the efficiency structure (200). The alignment member (246)may be supported by a support structure (248) such as a simple stand,which may comprise a base (250) configured to be suitable for the groundconditions (here a simple rectangular or square base configured to restupon a substantially planar ground surface). The alignment member (246)may be coupled to the shoes (220, 222) by small shoe heel couplers (252,253), which may resemble shoe-horn structures that are lightly insertedinto the heels of the shoes (220, 222), and which may be easily pulledout as an athlete pushes his feet into the shoes, as described infurther detail below.

Referring to FIG. 14B, a side view of an efficiency structure (200)similar to that of FIG. 14A is shown in side view. Referring to FIGS.14C and 14D, close up views illustrate the shoes (220, 222) removablycoupled to and suspended by the efficiency structure (200).

Referring to FIG. 15, an athlete's foot (258) is shown being inserted(286) into a suspected shoe (220) that has been positioned and orientedin a pose selected to facilitate fast insertion of the foot (258) from astanding position (i.e., with the athlete standing in the transitionarea rapidly trying to get changed and continue with the running portionof the triathlon)—with the toe of the shoe (220) oriented slightlygravity up from the heel (256) of the shoe (220). The embodiment of FIG.15 varies from that of FIGS. 14A-D in that a shoe heel coupler (252) iscoupled via a support member (254) directly to the main stand member(202) (in the embodiment of FIGS. 14A-D, the shoe heel coupler (252) iscoupled to the shoe alignment member 246 which is coupled to theassociated stand 248, 250). FIG. 16 illustrates that with furtherdownward movement (260) of the foot (258) of the athlete, the shoecoupler (224) becomes released from the tongue of the shoe, and the shoeheel coupler (252) becomes released from the heel of the shoe, allowingthe athlete to continue the downward movement until his foot/shoeassembly hits the ground surface, as shown in FIG. 17, withoutintervention from the hands of the athlete. In other words, atime-saving hands-free shoe installation is facilitated by theefficiency structure (200).

Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment is depicted wherein a softerground surface, such as one comprising unimproved dirt, softlandscaping, and/or lawn, allows for coupling of the main stand member(202) directly through the ground surface (264) to the ground below, oran associated volume thereof. The embodiment of FIG. 18 features asharpened tip (266) structure comprising the proximal end of the baseportion of the main stand member (202) which may be forcibly urged into,or hammered into, the ground to support the efficiency structure. Inanother embodiment, a helical fitting may be coupled to the proximal endof the base portion of the main stand member (202), allowing for ahelical, “augered in”, or “screwed in” type of coupling between theground (262) and the efficiency structure (200). Referring to FIGS. 19and 20, a triathlon transition area (270) typically is crowded, andtypically comprises a horizontal bike rack member (268) to whichbicycles and/or other structures may be coupled. The embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 21-22, 23A and 24 feature a releasable clamp (280)configured to allow an athlete to temporarily couple the top portion(218) of his main stand member (202) to a nearby bike rack bar (268) toprovide extra stability to his efficiency structure assembly. As shownin FIGS. 21-22, 23A and 24, the releasable clamp (280) may be coupled tothe top portion (218) with a movable, poseable, and/or flexiblestructure, such as flex joint structure (272) comprising a series ofposeable joints, to facilitate customization of the fit between the bikerack bar (268) and the main stand member (202). Various accessorystructures may be coupled to the efficiency structure in variouslocations to improve the efficient interaction of the athlete with hisor her efficiency structure. For example, the embodiments of FIGS. 22,23A and 24 feature an accessory hook coupled to the clamp (280) tofacilitate hanging of an accessory such as a pair of goggles (276), apair of sunglasses (214), a visor (216), a running hat, a towel (278),and/or a bicycle helmet (282). The embodiment of FIG. 23A features acradle structure (284) which may be utilized to hold a bicycle helmet(element 282 of FIG. 23B, for example) in a convenient position andorientation for quick access and mounting onto the athlete's head.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, various configurations are illustrated inflowchart form.

Referring to FIG. 25, in one embodiment, a device is provided thatextends vertically from a tri-pod base and suspends a pair ofspring-loaded quick-release clips that can accommodate the tongues ofrunning shoes, and also suspends solid hanging members shaped likeoutstretched shoe horns (114). On race day, the triathlete transportsfolded-up caddy device to the race in his/her transition backpack (116).Upon arriving in the triathlon transition area, the triathlete unfoldsthe tripod base and sets on the ground, extends the stalk and arms ofthe device, and then loads his/her running shoes into the quick-releaseclips and around the shoehorn-like members. The triathlete may alsoassociate accessory items or tools such as sunglasses and/or visor inthe device by coupling such items to the device and/or resting suchitems on one or more shelves coupled to the device (118). Afterfinishing the bicycle portion of the race, the triathlete hurriedlyenters the transition area, lets go of his/her bicycle, and plunges eachfoot into the appropriate running shoe without using his/her hands. Thedownward force of each foot dislodges each shoe from the device (120).The triathlete then runs out of the transition area, able to begin therunning portion of the race with a 10-20 second advantage over thosecompetitors who are not using the present invention and must thereforebend over and use both hands to hurriedly stuff their feet into theirrunning shoes (122).

Referring to FIG. 26, an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 21 isillustrated, with the exception that instead of a tri-pod, the base ofthe Caddy system features a ground-coupling feature, such as a sharpmetal stake fitting or helical augering fitting, suitable for piercingthe ground of a grassy field and providing support to a five-foot tallstalk with branches and hanging shoes. A system is provided that extendsvertically from a ground-coupling fitting and suspends a pair ofspring-loaded quick-release clips that can accommodate the tongues ofrunning shoes, and also suspends solid hanging members shaped likeoutstretched shoe horns (124). On race day, the triathlete transportsfolded-up caddy system to the race in his/her transition backpack (126).Upon arriving in the triathlon transition area, the triathlete unfoldsthe ground-coupling fitting, couples it to the ground, extends the stalkand arms of the system, and then loads his/her running shoes into thequick-release clips and around the shoehorn-like members. The triathletemay also associate accessory items or tools such as sunglasses and/orvisor in the device by coupling such items to the device and/or restingsuch items on one or more shelves coupled to the device (128). Afterfinishing the bicycle portion of the race, the triathlete hurriedlyenters the transition area, lets go of his/her bicycle, and plunges eachfoot into the appropriate running shoe without using his/her hands. Thedownward force of each foot dislodges each shoe from the Caddy (130).The triathlete then runs out of the transition area, able to begin therunning portion of the race with a 10-20 second advantage over thosecompetitors who are not using the present invention and must thereforebend over and use both hands to hurriedly stuff their feet into theirrunning shoes (132).

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein.Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting sense. They areprovided to illustrate more broadly applicable aspects of the invention.Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalentsmay be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation, material, composition of matter, process, processact(s) or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the presentinvention. Further, as will be appreciated by those with skill in theart that each of the individual variations described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentinventions. All such modifications are intended to be within the scopeof claims associated with this disclosure.

The invention includes methods that may be performed using the subjectsystems and devices. The methods may comprise the act of providing sucha suitable device. Such provision may be performed by the end user. Inother words, the “providing” act merely requires the end user obtain,access, approach, position, set-up, activate, power-up or otherwise actto provide the requisite device in the subject method. Methods recitedherein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which islogically possible, as well as in the recited order of events.

In addition, though the invention has been described in reference toseveral examples optionally incorporating various features, theinvention is not to be limited to that which is described or indicatedas contemplated with respect to each variation of the invention. Variouschanges may be made to the invention described and equivalents (whetherrecited herein or not included for the sake of some brevity) may besubstituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention. In addition, where a range of values is provided, it isunderstood that every intervening value, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention.

Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventivevariations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or incombination with any one or more of the features described herein.Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there areplural of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein andin claims associated hereto, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “said,” and“the” include plural referents unless the specifically stated otherwise.In other words, use of the articles allow for “at least one” of thesubject item in the description above as well as claims associated withthis disclosure. It is further noted that such claims may be drafted toexclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended toserve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as“solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claimelements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term “comprising” inclaims associated with this disclosure shall allow for the inclusion ofany additional element—irrespective of whether a given number ofelements are enumerated in such claims, or the addition of a featurecould be regarded as transforming the nature of an element set forth insuch claims. Except as specifically defined herein, all technical andscientific terms used herein are to be given as broad a commonlyunderstood meaning as possible while maintaining claim validity.

The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited to theexamples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather only bythe scope of claim language associated with this disclosure.

1. A system for improving triathlon transition area efficiency,comprising: a. a main stand member comprising a base portion and a topportion, the base portion being configured to be supported by a groundsurface; and b. a first shoe coupler fixedly coupled to the top portionof the main stand member and configured to removably couple a first shoeto the main stand member in a manner wherein a pose is established forthe first shoe such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged intothe first shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete tostabilize the shoe.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portioncomprises a substantially straight elongate member.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the base portion is oriented substantiallyperpendicularly relative to the ground surface.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein the base portion comprises an above-ground stand.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the above-ground stand comprises three ormore legs.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprisesa ground-coupling feature configured to temporarily couple one end ofthe base portion to a ground portion below the ground surface.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the ground-coupling feature comprises asharpened end of the base portion configured to be forcibly driven intothe ground portion below the ground surface.
 8. The system of claim 6,wherein the ground-coupling feature comprises a substantially helicalend fitting configured to be augered into the ground portion below theground surface.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first shoe couplercomprises a two-sided clip biased to removably grasp a tongue of theshoe.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the two-sided clip isconfigured to grasp the tongue to retain the pose of the first shoeuntil the foot of the standing athlete is urged into the shoe, therebyplacing a separating force on the first shoe which causes the tongue tobecome uncoupled from the clip.
 11. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a second shoe coupler fixedly coupled to the top portion ofthe main stand member and configured to removably couple a second shoeto the main stand member in a manner wherein a pose is established forthe second shoe such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged intothe second shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete tostabilize the second shoe.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the firstshoe coupler comprises a two-sided clip biased to removably grasp atongue of the shoe.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the two-sidedclip is configured to grasp the tongue to retain the pose of the firstshoe until the foot of the standing athlete is urged into the shoe,thereby placing a separating force on the first shoe which causes thetongue to become uncoupled from the clip.
 14. The system of claim 11,further comprising a shoe alignment member removably coupling the firstshoe to the second shoe to maintain spatial alignment of the shoesrelative to each other.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising afirst shoe heel coupler member removably coupled between a heel of thefirst shoe and the main stand member to further stabilize and maintainthe pose of the first shoe.
 16. The system of claim 15, furthercomprising a second shoe heel coupler member removably coupled between aheel of the second shoe and the main stand member to further stabilizeand maintain the pose of the second shoe.
 17. The system of claim 1,wherein the top portion comprises a substantially straight elongatemember.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises abike rack coupler fitting configured to be removably coupled to a nearbybicycle rack for additional stability of the main stand member in thetriathlon transition area.
 19. The system of claim 1, further comprisingan accessory hook member coupled to the main stand member and configuredto hold one or more triathlon accessory items.
 20. The system of claim19, wherein the one or more triathlon accessory items are selected fromthe group consisting of: a pair of goggles, a pair of sunglasses, avisor, a running hat, and a bicycle helmet.
 21. The system of claim 1,further comprising an accessory shelf coupled to the main stand memberand configured to hold one or more triathlon accessory items.
 22. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the one or more triathlon accessory itemsare selected from the group consisting of: a pair of goggles, a pair ofsunglasses, a visor, a running hat, and a bicycle helmet.
 23. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a mirror coupled to the main standmember.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the mirror is movablycoupled to the main stand member with one or more adjustable structuressuch that the mirror may be posed in a particular orientation by theathlete.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the one or more adjustablestructures are selected from the group consisting of: a single joint; amulti-joint construct; and a bendable member.